RELM Wine & Beer Bistro, 2390 Las Posas Road, Suite H, Camarillo. 991-7356, relmcamarillo.com. The bistro, which promises in its all-caps title “Relax,” “Enjoy,” “Laugh” and “More,” serves up tasty and diverse lunch light meal items of high quality, with bottles of wine discounted on Wednesdays. Sandwiches and desserts are standouts, with salads and flatbreads also tempting.

Cocovin, 4308 Tradewinds, Oxnard, off Wooley Road and near Victoria Avenue. 985-5614, eatcocovin.com. The new restaurant in the Brasserie Communautere space offers more flexibility in food choices while following in the same attention to the quality and sourcing of its food and the creativity of its preparation. Particular food choices and presentations may vary according to availability of ingredients. Salmon, chicken and duck dishes were presented with innovative touches. Entrées also include steak frites, risotto and bouillabaisse.

The Nest, 401 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. 798-9035. The new informal restaurant just off Montgomery Street is run by Kiona Wachter, in partnership with her father, Erik Wachter, who originated Erik Ericsson’s, now on the Ventura Pier. Across from the restaurant, Kiona created Beach House Tacos, a popular small drop-in spot. Menus at The Nest can change daily but are always likely to include snacks, aka appetizers, tacos, sandwiches and salads, plus a mini pizza for kids.There’s a large patio and a small inside dining area, and of course there’s always takeout. Beach House and cauliflower tacos, and the Tireman smoked brisket sandwich, are a trio of the site’s tasty items.

Bazille at Nordstrom, The Oaks, 346 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. 418-4500. The new Bazille restaurant at Nordstrom in Thousand Oaks changes the space’s ambiance as well as its menu. More light streams in from the tall windows that in the past more shaded atmosphere. But the menu is more interesting than the lighting. There are still items to share or enjoy during a quick stop between shopping stints, but there are also unusually well thought out plates that could serve as hearty lunch or ample dinner. From a simple but innovative plate of Maple Bacon Deviled Eggs to a hearty Warm Asian Glazed Chicken salad or a delicate but highly satisfying plate of seared scallops with lemon-scented risotto, crisp green beans and grilled corn, there are lots of choices.

Anacappuccino, 289 E. Port Hueneme Road, Port Hueneme. 488-9580. The coffee shop with food for breakfast and lunch opened in 2003 and is family owned and operated. Reasonably priced food items include sandwiches, wraps, salads and soup. Popular early in the weekdays when it opens at 5 a.m. are a breakfast sandwich, oatmeal and croissants. Sandwiches and salads are always available. But for coffee fans, the wide variety of specialty drinks and espresso items offers something for just about every sipper’s taste.

Caribbean Haven, 1780 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. 339-0706, caribhaven.com. The new restaurant introduced by Hutton John, a decade-long food catering presence in the Ventura area, features Caribbean and Filipino cuisine prepared with quality and freshness as guides. Options range from appetizers of Crispy Pineapple Sugercane Wings to desserts like cassava pie, with generously portioned entrées like braised oxtail stew, grio pork belly and rasta curry pasta with shrimp. It’s order-at-the-counter, but presented at the table by cheerful and knowledgeable staff.

Greek Cuisine: 315 Carmen Drive, Camarillo. 388-8088. Owners Nikos and Marika Sklavenitis have expanded their restaurant space, thriving since 2007, with the new Greek Cuisine, which of course comes naturally to them, as she’s from Sparta and he’s from Lefkada. The new large area is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on Mondays, and offers a good range of Greek favorites, beginning with a stellar avgolemono soup with its zesty twist of lemon, eggs, broth and rice. Plates include a luscious lamb souvlaki and specialty entrées such as dolmathes, spanakopita and moussaka.

Body Fuel Bistro: 599 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Port Hueneme. 228-1554 bodyfuelbistro.com. The new bistro run by mother and daughter Angie and Hailey Wiggins, who come from a fitness background, offers items that are not only good, but good for you. Food is available for dining at the site or for take-out. All of it comes in sturdy packaging that accommodates both on-site dining and take-out. The very fresh and tasty items include sesame ahi salad, a roast beef sandwich to remember, Shepherd’s Pie and Grand Prix Chili.

All Things Tea, 300 Lantana St., Suite 37, Camarillo. 445-TEAS, www.tea-liteful.com. A wide range of teas are available at the serene spot in a corner of Paseo Camarillo center, along with British delicacies that accompany High Tea, a specialty of the house, along with other tea settings. There are also salads, sandwiches, sweets, rolls, wraps and quiche for those who prefer just a sample of the good food and preparation offered at the pleasant establishment.

Yolanda’s Mexican Restaurant, 2753 E. Main St., Ventura. 643-2700, yolandasmexicancafe.com. The newly reopened East Ventura restaurant is going full bore now that major hospital construction behind the restaurant has been sufficiently completed. There still is parking directly behind the restaurant, as well as a new multi-story parking garage within the same block. The restaurant has used its downtime well, with a lighter, brighter look and refurbished furnishings. It’s still a pleasant place to order familiar Mexican specialties and the atmosphere is welcoming. Carnitas Veracruz is a standout, soups are bubbling with flavor and desserts are impressive.

Wildflour Bakery & Cafe, 29105 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. (818) 597-8774, www.wfbakery.com. Wildflour is a superior bakery that also serves up fresh and healthy breakfast and lunch dishes, often with slices of its exceptional breads. Among appealing lunch items are the Crispy Chicken on a sesame brioche and the WF chicken salad and quinoa tabouli bowl.

Sea Ranger Seafood Station, 2950 Johnson Drive, 131-B, Ventura. 765-4715. New at the shopping area just off Hwy. 101 that formerly featured a film theater, later transformed into a church. Sea Ranger is one of a handful of counter sites inside one building, with some comfortable table seating shared by all of the food-service spots there, plus a few patio tables. The basic fish items are fresh and well prepared and there are a number of vegan items on the menu, as well as some Paleo Sea Dishes. Available seafood includes fried Alaskan cod, shrimp, a whole red snapper or tilapia, charbroiled fish, seafood salads, soups and sides.

Cafe Ficelle,390 S. Mills Road, Ventura. 941-3444, www.cafeficelle.com. The recently opened cafe at the corner of Mills and Maple Street has quickly become popular because of its well-prepared French dishes served for breakfast to closing at 2 p.m. Lunch items join the menu at 11 a.m. Breakfast items and pastries are made with impressive skill and attention to quality. Small plates and sandwiches are also popular, along with a wide range of special coffee preparations and distinctive teas.

DiGuardi’s Italian Deli, 417 E. Port Hueneme Road, Port Hueneme. 874-1028. www.diguardisitaliandeli.com. The take-out deli is small put packed with fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on good Italian sausages but also including vegetarian options. There’s a wide range of olives and other enhancements to add to your enjoyment. The Classic hoagie and the Gene hoagie are especially good, and the Italian salad is full of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Nearby parks and of course the beach are inviting spots to enjoy your sandwiches and salads.

Orozco’s de Ventura, 839 E. Front St., Ventura. 628-3419. The new restaurant near the end of Front Street may be a bit difficult to spot, but once you’ve tried the food you’ll remember where it is. Inside, it’s handsomely decorated with rock wall treatments and furnished with sturdy blond tables and chairs. Hours, and what on the menu is available at the moment, seem to fluctuate, but you might want to try Huevos Divorciados for breakfast or camaron a la Mexicana for lunch or dinner.

Xielo Artisan Desserts, 212 W. Fourth St., Oxnard. 240-1122. A fine family-owned and -operated spot that is small but whose output is of high quality. Crepes, quiches, empanadas and a wide range of exceptionally good cookies are available, along with beverages including coffee, Mexican hot chocolate and shaved ice raspados. The asparagus and bacon quiche is a sure winner.

Q Sushi, 3070 Russell Ranch Road, The Shoppes, Westlake Village. 818-540-3231. An upscale sushi spot, with other fascinating Asian items, and the Kieu Hoang Wine Lounge offer a serene and attractive setting, excellent service and a wide range of sushi, grilled items and izakaya (shared) plates. From a simple American Kobe skewer with truffle salt to the Salmon Festival, a multifaceted special roll, diners can go from light food to full meals with confidence that everything is made with care and an understanding of quality.

Ojai Harvest, 307 E. Ojai Ave., Suite 105. 633-9232. The new casual eatery, and its adjacent Harvest Bar, really does serve food that comes from Ojai harvests, gathering in the area's fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats and converting them into creative and tasty dishes, whether you’re making a brief stop are staying for a meal. Among the goodies that might be available when you stop by the season-driven restaurant are liver mousse, orecchiette and cheese, salmon ciabatta, Cubano Melt or just a perfect fried chicken sandwich. Whatever your tummy tells you, Ojai Harvest has the goods.

Casa Bella Prime Steak and Seafood, 391 E. Main St., Ventura. 652-1055. The latest restaurant opened by owner Jan Schuster, who also helms Prime Steakhouse restaurants in Ventura and Agoura Hills. Casa Bella adds spice to the menu, accents that echo those in Mexico City cuisine. Among the lively starters are pleasantly spicy crab cakes and delicious seared scallops. Entrées include a hearty pork chop and tender skirt steak among multiple options. Bread pudding was a delicious dessert that easily satisfied two.

​​​​​​Tio’s Cafe, 2248 Tapo St., Simi Valley. 638-0240, www.tios-cafe.com. The spacious breakfast and lunch cafe offers a wide range of popular wake-up items beginning at 7 a.m. and continues through 3 p.m. serving breakfast and lunch. Options run from basic steak & eggs to a lox Benedict; scrambles full of flavor, such as a day’s special artichoke version; French toast and waffles like the fresh fruit-topped Howie’s version; South of the Border Specials; plus lots of sandwiches for the lunch bunch.

Fluid State Beer Garden, 692 E. Main St., Ventura. 699-6467. Buoyed by carefully chosen food, a wide selection of beverages and a delightful sense of humor, the new spot is a welcome addition to Downtown Ventura. Orders are taken at a counter, with a daily menu available to peruse before choosing. The day’s special charcuterie plate is also listed on a blackboard. A simple slice of pizza, with an especially rustic crust and unusual combinations of toppings is a good place to start, but even items as simple as a deviled egg or as basic as a salad are treated with a sense of the possibilities of basic foods.

Le Petit Cafe Bakery, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 112, Ventura Harbor. 642-1191. The cafe and bakery, thriving at its present location since 2001, is open for lunch and dinner, with different hours for different days of the week. Ample French favorites, from crepes to croissants and Croque Monsieur to Confit de Canard, are available and enlivened by fresh local ingredients. There are surprises like a day’s special soup of a surprisingly pleasant blend of sweet potatoes and jalapeños, or a delightfully light goat cheese baguette with sun-dried tomatoes. And there’s always the bakery, also with a French accent.

​​​​​​Dong Ting Spring, 520 N. Ventu Park Road, Suite 150, Thousand Oaks. 262-0888. If you’re looking for authentic Hunan-style Chinese food, this is the place to find it. There are lots of items on the new restaurant’s menu that you won’t find on other area Chinese eatery menus, among them specialty fish filet with pickle, egg and corn sweet soup, house beef rolls, chicken feet, stinky tofu and spicy duck necks. More familiar items also are served, but the main dishes really stand out as coming from a different take on Chinese food.

​​​​​​PokeRamen, 429 E. Hueneme Road, Port Hueneme. 246-5541, www.pokeramen.com. The months-old restaurant features appealingly fresh poke, ramen and cupbop dishes with a Korean sensibility along with a small assortment of sushi rolls. It’s ordered at the counter but served at tables. Owner and staff are particularly helpful to customers, especially at times when there isn’t a large crowd during its lunch or evening hours. The poke is especially appealing and fresh, the ramen tingles the tongue with its bright flavors and the cupbop is very satisfying.

Finney’s Crafthouse and Kitchen, 982 S. Westlake Blvd., at Westlake Plaza in Thousand Oaks. 230-9950. Greg Finefrock’s new watering spot offers Craft Draft with emphasis on local and regional brews. The food is fun and fine, too, with Bratwurst Minis, mahi-mahi tacos, mushroom burgers and The Daisy Club Sandwich among the offerings.

CiCi’s Cafe, 30990 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village. 818-874-3391. Following in the successful footsteps of its sister cafe, which opened in 2006 in Tarzana, the new site offers an amazing array of pancakes, waffles, French Toast and crepe options, along with salads, burgers and such, served in the pleasant indoor area or on the sunny patio. Forget-Me-Not crepes are memorable, as are the Corn Island pancakes, to mention a few of the countless tempting options. The service is as good as the food.

EMC Seafood & Raw Bar, 511 Town Center Drive, The Collection, Oxnard. 278-4997. The recently opened shellfish and other seafood restaurant features an abundance of choices including oysters, seafood sashimi and carpaccio, sushi rolls and small plates among starters, plus main dishes from the grill or steamer and combinations teamed with pasta or rice. Arriving during happy hour, 3 to 6:30 p.m. will get you price reductions on some of your favorites.

Sakura Cha Ya, 2810 S. Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands, Oxnard. 901-3104. The homestyle preparation at the Japanese kitchen in the harbor’s food court features fresh traditional dishes that range from a flavorful okonomiyaki, Japanese-style pizza, to familiar curries, tempura, bowls, noodle dishes and rice balls. If you’re hungry it’s best to get there well before 5 p.m., when they close Tuesdays through Thursdays, and Sundays. On Friday and Saturday nights, the eatery remains open till 8 p.m. Pork katsu don features a generous portion of breaded pork cutlet and there may be surprises that aren’t on the menu but are featured for the day.

Burgerim, 587 N. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park. 375-0066, www.burgerim.com. First of the chain of restaurants founded in Israel to arrive in Ventura County, it features mini burgers with main item patties available made of beef, turkey, lamb, dry-aged beef, chicken, chorizo, salmon, veggies, spicy beef and Wagyu beef. The lamb and dry-aged beef stand out with fuller flavors and a touch of moisture. The mini burgers come with house sauce, lettuce, tomato and onions, and customers may add toppings that range from pineapple and jalapeño, to sautéed mushrooms or even a sunny-side up egg.

Blaze Pizza, 301 Esplanade Drive, Oxnard. 368-0593. The concept is simple. All of the pizzas are built on thin crusts as customers choose either a Signature Pizza for which the ingredient combinations are already designed or choose-your-own toppings, freelancing through the array of sauces, cheeses, meats, veggies and “finishes,” with counter staff adding whatever you point at. It doesn’t matter, as it all costs the same price per pizza, $8.45. Salads and desserts are also available, with the former possible as one of the toppings on your personalized pizza. The Art Lover pizza is popular, and even if you don’t find all the toppings you want on that particular pie, you can have some more ingredients added as you pass along the line.

Lucky Thai Cuisine, 1141 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura. 444-4563, www.luckythaiventura.com. Less than a year old, the wide-ranging Thai restaurant offers oodles of options in its appetizers, soups, main dishes and desserts, with tom kha and tom yum among the soups; green, red, yellow, pumpkin or mango among the curries; pad see ew a choice among the noodles; spicy basil duck among the fried rice offerings; and cashew nut with shrimp a wok possibility. Thai iced coffee is as refreshing in looks as it is in flavor.